Hitman Withdraws from Glasgow Murder Plot and Is Sentenced
James Richards, 36, a hitman who had agreed to kill a Glasgow gangster, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison after he withdrew from the planned shooting and returned to England.
Richards, from Liverpool, had scouted the location for the intended attack on Ryan Carvill but developed "cold feet" and expressed concerns regarding the getaway vehicle arrangements.
He traveled to Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire, where he collected a phone and a gun before deciding not to proceed with the plan.
At Edinburgh High Court, Lord Young stated that in determining Richards' sentence, consideration was given to his lack of previous violent offenses and the fact that he eventually distanced himself from the conspiracy.
Richards had previously admitted involvement in serious organized crime and acknowledged agreeing to shoot Carvill in exchange for payment.
Carvill was targeted by criminal David Nisbet, 35, and his associate Declan McCuish, 35.
Nisbet had approached three potential hitmen before negotiations with Richards advanced.
As part of the conspiracy, Richards traveled from Liverpool to Lenzie, took possession of an encrypted phone and handgun, and surveyed locations for the proposed shooting.
He also discussed specifications for getaway vehicles and examined potential sites to abandon and burn cars.
Advocate depute Lindsay Dalziel stated:
"Declan McCuish was told to make sure a flat was available in the full knowledge that it was being occupied by a hitman."
Nisbet reportedly referred to Carvill as a rat who "has to get got" when discussing the planned killing.
However, after arriving in Scotland, Richards withdrew from the plan.
He requested Nisbet to procure a fast car or motorbike but was dissatisfied with the getaway vehicles offered.
Richards was driven south but was stopped by armed response police.
He was arrested in June 2021, released, and later re-arrested on a warrant after being extradited from Spain in January 2026.
Background and Sentencing Details
Lord Young noted that a background report on Richards indicated that much of his adult life had been affected by drug addiction.
Nisbet was subsequently sentenced to 13 years and McCuish to 11 years after being convicted of conspiring to kill Carvill following a trial.
Carvill, 32, who split his time between Glasgow and Dubai, was sentenced earlier this year to eight years and three months for his involvement in a lucrative narcotics supply operation.
Defense counsel John Scullion KC explained that Richards became involved in the plot due to a long history of drug misuse and efforts to settle debts.
He added that Richards quickly realized he could not proceed with the shooting plan and regretted his involvement.
Detective Superintendent Steven Elliott commented:
"Richards came to Scotland with the sole purpose of taking another life.
Thankfully, he was not successful in his intentions and he will now face the consequences of his actions."
